The Royal Palm

Written by Mrs. D

Illustrated by Chanoa

This story begins at its end with the protagonist, a stately Royal Palm, reflecting on her beautiful new home. Born on an island in the middle of an ocean that was often brushed with violent storms, she grew up in the shadows of short, plain palm trees who protected her while she was little. The Royal Palm dreamed of living in the garden of a majestic palace. As she grows older, the Royal Palm brags about her beauty and becomes snobby, refusing to play with her plain cousins. She admonishes the green parrots and lizards who mess up her hair and leaves. What she does not realize is that as she grows taller, she becomes weaker and more vulnerable. The day will come when the sun will parch her roots and violent winds will bend her limbs. How does she survive?

As is the case with Mrs. D’s other books, the language is lyrical and colorful. She describes the Royal Palm: “Glittering with playful diamonds, her silver dress waved in the air, filled with aroma and warmth.” In contrast, the plain palms are depicted as “dressed in dull brown dresses.” Mrs. D effectively employs the techniques of alliteration, personification and analogy to communicate her message. Chanoa’s illustrations filled with gorgeous pastel colors and animated facial expressions never fail to disappoint the reader.

This book is targeted for ages six through ten. Younger readers are able to follow the story while it is read aloud through the illustrations, while children aged eight and older will be better suited to independent reading of the text. Mrs.s D addresses many of the difficult issues children face in dealing with their peers in a whimsical, charming tale. Highly recommended.

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The Children’s Busy Book:365 Creative Learning Games and Activities to Keep Your 6-10 Year Old Busy

Written by Trish Kuffner

The author is not trying to reinvent the wheel; she does want to help you make the most of your child’s free time. Contents of this book are designed to stimulate creativity, social skills, imagination and thinking skills. They can be used after school, during the summer, or on a weekend. The ages six to ten are recommended but not arbitrary as younger children as well as adults might also enjoy them. They are not gender specific; the categories are generalized with much overlapping.

Let’s look at some of the chapter headings: rainy days, indoor Olympics, fun outdoors, my family and me, arts and crafts, and holiday fun. Under these headings the reader will find some traditional games like jump rope and hopscotch, marbles and card games. There are some great recipes in the kids in the kitchen section like oatmeal pancakes and Teriyaki chicken. In the math area there are activities like naming that coin and calendar games. Budding scientists learn how to make rock candy crystals fossils, and invisible ink. For a family project children might want to research a family tree, create a scrapbook or set up a “praise box.”

In the Appendix, Kuffner lists more suggestions for reading, resources for parents, and an index of supplies needed to complete or create the projects. This book leaves nothing to be desired. Everything needed is clearly delineated and indexed. The guide is a valuable resource to be placed on the shelves of parents, camp counselors, librarians and teachers. Just the thing to reach for as soon as an adult hears a child say, “I’m bored.”

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Ruby Lee and the Very Big Deal

Written by Nancy Buffington

Illustrated by Stephanie Mullani

Ruby Lee is a fifth grade student who has just won a contest. The problem is the prize she had hoped to gain was not something she wanted; it was to deliver a speech about her town at the first event ever held to celebrate life in Ruby’s town. Her friends and family congratulate her, but Ruby is terrified. The only time she had appeared on stage at age six had been a disaster because she had forgotten all her lines! Ruby wishes she could vanish into thin air.

Great Aunt Alice comes to the rescue. Alice is a bit of an eccentric who is rumored to have been a somewhat successful actress way back when. One day while Alice is sitting under the tree in the backyard with her dog, Thumbelina, Alice reveals that she will share her Nine Secrets of Becoming a Star with Alice. Over the next week’s time, Alice gradually shares them. Here are the nine secrets:

1. Be yourself
2. Practice, practice, practice
3. Don’t even try to be perfect
4. What the audience doesn’t know won’t hurt them
5. Take charge
6. Give yourself credit
7. Have fun!
8. Get ready to do it again
9. Feel the love

Alice boasts that she has worked with some of the greats of the acting world. One evening she drops a picture signed by Johnny B., which Ruby picks up and places in her pocket for good luck. The big day has finally arrived. Has Ruby been able to internalize her Great Aunt’s tips in her quest to overcome her fears? How will the big speech go over?

This book can be used a  guide for anyone, child or adult, who is afraid to speak in public. Ruby’s story is in the format of an early chapter book and is an entertaining read for young readers. The author, who was once just like Ruby, is now a public speaking coach. The cast of characters included at the end of the book is a nice little time capsule of acting greats at the beginning of this century and is a bonus for those interested in the theater and the movies. I recommend this book as an interesting chapter book that promotes self-confidence  for those who are shy. Children and adults ages seven and up will enjoy the read.

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Tales of the Friendly Forest

Written by Alexi Lushkin
Translated from Russian by Galina Krylova

This kindle book is a collection of ten fairy tales told from the point of view of several animals living in the forest. At the outset the reader is introduced to a poem that tells of the song of the forest. The animals in the tales introduce themselves one verse at a time. In the beginning, the forest was in chaos. Each of the animals went about doing whatever he wanted. One day a clubfooted bear shouted out to the other animals of the forest from the top of a tree that from now on there would be a truce; all animals would be friends to one another and there would be no territorial boundaries. From that point on, all the animals of the forest had their own names, but they were all friends and helpers to each other.

The rest of the stories focus on one or two animals who are able to teach the reader about compassion for others, the need to share knowledge, not to be afraid of the unknown, and to be true to oneself. In the story about fashion, the animals decide to be fashion mongers. Even though the boars delight in rolling around in the mud, they then rub against the trees ridding themselves of all dirt. The animals decide that boars are the neatest and cleanest animals in the forest. Appearances can be deceiving! In the story about the forest beasts watching children play hockey, children learn that TV and cinema did not always exist, there should be time for other pursuits.

These short stories are intended for children and adults. The format is a bit unusual in that the book begins with a poem and then switches to verse. In a few places the flow is a bit choppy due to the translation. Still, I found the stories refreshing with good lessons for children and reminders for adults. The book can be broken up into sections for younger children and read independently by children eight and older. Makes a nice bedtime story book for children who love animals.

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Johnny’s Adventure Makes Reading Fun

Written by Jodi DeSautels

Illustrated by Sarah Bowman

The story begins with a familiar scene for many parents. It’s a rainy day and Johnny cannot go outside. His mother suggests that he read a book, but Johnny does not want to read. In school he is often a victim of bullying because he reads too slowly and has trouble sounding out the words.

Fortunately, Johnny’s mom encourages him by inquiring what kind of adventure would he like to experience. Maybe he could transform himself into a hunter, king, acrobat or adventurer. When he says that he he would like to travel to outer space, she accommodates him by helping Johnny find a helmet, walkie-talkies and a refrigerator box for a spaceship. Together they use their imaginations and bodies to act out a space launch scenario.

Johnny now feels so much better about himself. His mom takes advantage of that to urge him to write and illustrate a story about the adventure. She continues to draw him into conversations that will extend learning as he gets deeper and deeper into the project. In no time at all, Johnny has stretched his knowledge base and enriched his vocabulary.

This book will not only provide an enjoyable story of encouragement for reluctant readers in the early grades of elementary school, but also allows parents and teachers to use it a a teaching model. This adventure  provides a warning about the effects of bullying on the self-esteem of children. The author makes her points simply and effectively. I recommend that you take a look.

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Parenting Book & Children’s Book DUO

Written by Jenny Loveless

Edited by Jean Oggins

Illustrated by Denis Prouix

I downloaded this kindle book because I was intrigued by the unique combination of parenting advice with a children’s book. This is the children’s book author’s first attempt at writing nonfiction. The children’s book Ducky Duck Doesn’t want to be a Duck is a reinforcement of the principles explained in the parenting tips. In fact, a parent might want to use this book as a trial run in employing the techniques acquired in the first book.

Loveless is the parent of three girls. Like most parents she has made mistakes. She did lots of research for the book which is also interspersed with her own parenting opinions. The author indicates which come from “experts” and which are her own. As any parent knows, there is no course that prepares you to become a parent. Lots of our learning comes from trial and error. Loveless lists some things that all of us know: children need to be read to, children need attention, children need enough sleep, children need proper nutrition, and children need definite rules. But the author tells us how to best apply our knowledge to help children know themselves better and grow into their own selves.

I like the way Loveless encourages parents to focus on the good in other people and to become involved in good deeds. She urges parents to teach children to examine their self image and to find ways to keep that image a positive one developing self esteem. Teach them that happiness is a choice. Allow them to try new things and perhaps sometimes fail at them so that they can learn about themselves in the process. In setting the rules, explain the reasons for your decisions so that as they grow, they might begin to understand the reasons behind our choices. I especially liked her tip to make a child feel as if the whole world lights up when he enters the room. Loveless does not mean that the child should feel as if he is the center of the universe, but he should know that the parent will always be there as a constant support.

Switching to the children’s story, Ducky Duck decides one day he no longer wants to be a duck. His mother lets him make his own decisions. First he wants to be a bunny, but when he plays hide and seek, his bill sticks out so that Ducky is easily found. When he returns home to go swimming with the family, his mother points out that bunnies don’t swim. Next day he wants to be a beaver so he again waddles off in search of adventure. Upon his return, he gets no supper because beavers don’t eat fish. Then he becomes a deer, who encounters difficulty because he cannot leap. Mother Duck permits him to explore until he finally realizes that it is a duck he wants to be. She provides encouragement and love no matter what he decides modeling the behavior of a loving human parent.

Loveless does not reinvent the wheel. She presents a parenting model that is easy to read and thoughtfully put together. Children of all ages will enjoy their beautifully illustrated story that inspires and motivates, while parents will appreciate the tips and reminders in the parent guide.

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Your Father’s Love (Parent’s Love- one of Two Book Set)

Written by Niki Alling

I happened to notice this free kindle book and decided to download it. It led to my discovery of a very talented author of whom I was unaware. This particular book is also available as part of a set with its companion volume Your Mother’s Love. Ms. Alling not only writes children’s books, but also writes across many genres including science fiction, fantasy and poetry. In addition, she draws beautiful illustrations that capture the mood of her story.

Turning to this particular book, Alling associates a father’s love for his young child with comforting images like a teddy bear and toy box. She links characteristics like protectiveness, unselfishness and playfulness with friendly animals like giraffes and penguins. A father’s love is peaceful, loyal, brave and enduring. It is patient, strong and nurturing, wise and everlasting. Most important of all his love is all encompassing like the sun and all the inhabitants of the sky. Each child reader is made to feel special because the author uses a silhouette image of a father urging the reader to keep these feelings as a special secret between them.

All of the illustrations are done in soft, comforting pastel colors that evoke a feeling of warmth and reassurance. Any parent or grandparent would love to read this story aloud over and over to a special, young child. It is the kind of book that a child could turn to for comfort in times of distress or fear. Certainly, one that would make a fine addition to a bookshelf or kindle, and a treat for both children and adults. I am going to make it a point to read more works by this talented writer and artist.

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Kanuki and the Wishing Tree

Written by Meredith Kennedy

Illustrated by Ali Masoud

Meredith Kennedy is a veterinarian who lives in Tanzania. She is certainly familiar with the animals of the Serengeti. This tale is about a young giraffe named Kanuki who despairs because she has a short neck. She has tried  in vain to make it grow. One day she journeys through the forest asking all the animals that she meets to give her advice on how to make that happen. Alas, each of them tells her not to worry, and explain how their adaptation is more useful. For instance, the monkey tells Kanuki, “Tails are much better. You can swing and climb with a long tail like mine.” Kanuki tries to explain that being a giraffe, that is not what she needs. Finally, Kanuki meets an animal who is willing to help. I won’t give the answer away, but this animal leads her directly to a solitary tree atop a steep hill. Kanuki  learns only that this is a Wishing Tree. She must choose her own path. The only requirement is to believe in herself.

At first Kanuki remains frustrated, but then the giraffe makes her decision. What does Kanuki discover? Were the other animals in the forest correct? Will Kanuki ever find happiness and learn to fit into her own community?

The illustrations in this book are done by an art student. They are quite impressive. The black and white simple pencil drawings are unique and pleasing to the eye. The small banners of all the animals dispersed throughout the pages are effective as well. Kennedy’s story makes a nice read aloud for a younger child. This book also provides a good early reader chapter book. The simple moral lessons embedded in the story are worthwhile ones for the young reader. I would suggest this book as a nice, enjoyable addition to a parent, classroom or school library. This book is also distributed by Worldreader,  an organization that distributes free e books to deserving children, supplying another good reason to purchase it!

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